September 8-14 2025
genesis
(n): origin, creation, beginning from Greek genesis; also the first book of the Bible.
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c. 1300, retrete, "a step backward;" late 14c., "act of retiring or withdrawing; from Latin retrahere "draw back, withdraw, call back," from re- "back" (see re-) + trahere "to draw"
(v): the act of withdrawing, as into safety, shelter, or seclusion
(n): a place of refuge
retreat
The genesis retreat is for creatives looking for deep inspiration. It was developed in order to introduce writers to the principles and tools of Creative Problem Solving with an experienced Creativity facilitator, while engaging in a creative practice amidst the culture and beauty of Oxford and the Oxfordshire countryside.
You will discover how to deepen your narrative skills using a variety of divergent and convergent thinking tools, reclaim your sense of wonder, and ignite your creative practice in a workshop setting. You will also have the opportunity to engage in deep thinking, immerse yourself in sensory stimulation, and participate in a seminar with creative writing faculty.
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Some of our time will be spent in a number of excursions to natural, artistic, and historic destinations. There will also be substantial time for you to process what you’ve learned, work on your writing, and explore Oxford on your own.
At the end of the week, you will have a new arsenal of tools at your disposal for creative endeavors. We’re asking you to dive in, to submerge yourself with an open mind and an open heart. Your writing - and your creative process - will be all the better for it.
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7 days, 6 nights at The Queen's College
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Morning creativity and writing workshops
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A single or double ensuite room
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Full English breakfasts and two dinners in the historic Hall
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Afternoon experiences (for example, literary walking tour, tour of the Bodleian Library, punting on the Cherwell River, high tea, a visit to C.S. Lewis's house)
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Free time to process, write, and soak in the atmosphere.
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A supportive community of writers and thinkers
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Highly experienced workshop leaders
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Engaging conversation and shared epiphanies
What to Expect
(v) - to bring into being, early 15th century, from Latin creatus, past participle of creare "to make, bring forth, produce, procreate, beget, cause"; related to Ceres and to crescere "arise, be born, increase, grow," from PIE root ker-
create
FAQ
Q: When does the genesis retreat take place?
A:
The retreat will commence the evening of Monday, September 8. Our rooms will be available after 2:00 pm. We will conclude after breakfast on Sunday, September 14th.
Q: Where is the retreat located?
Queen's College, Oxford. Founded in 1341 by Robert de Eglesfield, a chaplain in the household of Queen Philippa, The Queen's College was named in honor of Queen Philippa. We stay in historic ensuite rooms, work in the classically beautiful Magrath Room, meet in the Drawda Garden, and explore from this home base.
The bedrooms are practical and comfortable, offering a hospitality tray with tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, and complimentary toiletries. All conference rooms have free Wi-Fi access. Additionally, there is a Full English breakfast​ and access to pay-per-load washers and dryers.
A:
Q: What does this heavenly trip cost and how can I possibly afford it?
A:
For 2025, it costs $2800 for a single room and $2600 for a shared double. This covers your accommodation, workshops and materials, all breakfasts, two dinners, walking tour of Oxford, a tour of the Bodleian Library, Divinity School, medieval Duke Humphrey's Library, Convocation House, Chancellor's Court, and the Radcliffe Camera, as well as an optional punting excursion on the Cherwell River, and a visit to C.S. Lewis's home.
It does not include airfare, travel insurance (which is highly recommended), transportation to and from Oxford, some meals, or alcoholic beverages.
Comparable retreats cost upwards of $3500-4000. We've priced the retreat so that it is affordable; this is not a for-profit event, but rather an opportunity to share new skills with kindred spirits in the magic and wonder of Oxford.
Upon registration, a $500 deposit is due. The remaining fees ($2300/$2100) can be broken up into one, two, or four payments due on the first of the month. Total fees are due July 1, 2025. If you have difficulty with the payment schedule, arrangements can be made.
Q: I'm not a published writer. Is it ok for me to come?
A:
Yes, yes, most definitely YES! The Creative Problem Solving tools that we will introduce and the creative practice that we'll engage in have nothing to do with your publication status. The workshops and activities will make you more thoughtful and more informed in your writing practice, as well as give you an increased authenticity in your work. The nurturing environment will allow you the freedom to take risks in your work.
Q: Can my spouse or friend come, but not participate in the workshops?
Q: Will you be able to accommodate my special needs?
A:
We will have a limited availability of shared rooms. Please contact Ginger Johnson as soon as possible if you would like one of them.
A:
We will accommodate inasmuch as possible; with special mobility needs, ground floor rooms can be requested. Because this is a historic city, there are, unfortunately, some places that can only be accessed by stairs. That will not affect our workshops, however.
Dietary needs can be easily accommodated, given notice.
Please feel free to inquire if there are additional special needs.
Who We Are
Beth Slazak is the Vice President at Curiosity2Create. Prior to her position here, she spent years heading the Creative Education Foundation’s annual Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) Conference and Florida Creativity Conference. She has presented at conferences in the US (CPSI, Expert to Expert, Creativity Expert Exchange, Florida Creativity Conference, Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, Next Idea, Unconference), Italy (CREA), Mexico (We Move Forward), and Canada (MindCamp). She has trained academics, personal coaches, entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, HR department teams, and Innovation Center leaders in the skills and tools that are the foundational tenets of Creative Problem Solving, helping them access their creativity and solve problems effectively. She holds an M.S. in Creative Studies from Buffalo State University and an M.B.A. from D’Youville University. In addition, Beth has completed a three-year Certified Humor Professional program from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. Beth has a passion for improvisation and studied it at Buffalo ComedySportz and Toronto’s Second City.
Ginger Johnson earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in English, and an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She has taught writing in colleges and universities across the country, and made presentations in schools and conferences coast to coast and internationally. Ginger published two middle-grade novels with Bloomsbury: The Splintered Light, and The Other Side of Luck. She has been the recipient of the Marion Dane Bauer Prize, and most recently she was honored to receive one of the inaugural Mosaic Lowell Mini-Grants. She has lived in the UK, Italy, Austria, and Bermuda, and has traveled throughout eastern and western Europe, and parts of Asia. She is experienced at leading groups of students to Oxford and Bath, and loves to introduce people to new places of inspiration.